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Sunday, December 2, 2018

TIS THE SEASON TO RECYCLE

     In October of this year the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (the IPCC) came out with a report on our planets future based on different degrees of planetary warming. The world right now is on pace to warm by 3.4 degrees Celsius. With the Paris Climate Accord pledges, we will only warm to about 2.9 degrees Celsius. The IPCC report states that 1.5 degree increase causes less damage than a 2 or 3 degree increase. No kidding right? However, at a 1.5 degree increase we will still have frequent and longer lasting heat waves, more damaging storms and higher oceans. Miami is already under water often https://www.businessinsider.com/miami-floods-sea-level-rise-solutions-2018-4. Just imagine what a higher degree of increased global climate change can do. Here in West Virginia, the report states that we are at risk for more frequent high precipitation events. I have experienced one of those, and I got off easy (my basement flooded). Others in my community did not fare as well during the flood of 2016. I'm sure you remember the CNN video of the house on fire floating down the river. The town of White Sulphur Springs underwater. That happened here, in Greenbrier county WV. I would prefer that sort of thing happen less frequently. Go to this link for more on the IPCC report https://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/special-reports/sr15/sr15_spm_final.pdf  or https://www.vox.com/2018/10/5/17934174/climate-change-global-warming-un-ipcc-report-1-5-degrees . 

     My co-worker and I both saw the report, as I'm sure many of you did. It is frightening. So, we decided to do what we could to help, being persons of action that we are. We decided that we would recycle plastic bottles from our place of business. If our fellow employees voluntarily participate (they have jumped on board), we can recycle at our peak capability. Our facility has a couple of Soda machines, as I'm sure most places of business do. After recycling for 7 weeks so far, we have collected and recycled 170 bottles. Now, the bottles aren't all the same, though most are the 16 ounce variety. At this rate, we will meet the goal we have set for ourselves of 1200 plastic bottles saved from being buried in a landfill. That in itself is great, but how does this help prevent global climate change?

     According to the effort by Stanford University and its own recycling, each ton of plastic recycled saves 5,774 kwh of energy, 16.3 barrels of oil, 98 million BTUs of energy, and 30 cubic yards of landfill space. For more, go to https://lbre.stanford.edu/pssistanford-recycling/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions-benefits-recycling  From what I could find, 19 of the 16 ounce plastic bottles equals one pound. So, 1200 (the goal of plastic bottles) divided by 19 (how many it takes to make a pound) equals about 63 pounds of plastic saved from the landfill. If it takes two thousand pounds of plastic to save 16.3 barrels of oil, then each barrel is 123 pounds of plastic saved. So with our 63 pounds of plastic, we will have saved a half of a barrel of oil. You can do the math on how much energy and landfill space we will save, but you get the drift. Recycling does help to curb oil production/save energy, which means less carbon in the atmosphere, and thus helps with global climate change.

     So that is what my little place of business is doing what it can to help. I was pleased that my bosses were happy to jump on board. I think when offered the opportunity to do something good and easy, most people will jump at the chance. Having said that, what my place of employment is doing, is not enough to keep the world from warming passed the 2 degree marker that the Paris climate accord is aiming for. However, if you, my loyal reader, start to recycle at your work as well, and if more and more Americans are choosing to recycle at work, then that can be a small part of the solution. If you can't recycle all the plastic at your place of business, thats okay, just do what you can do. If that is just collecting the plastic bottles that you use and saving/recycling those, then that is great. As my boss at work likes to say "many hands make lighter work".


Tuesday, November 13, 2018

YEAR TWO REPORT CARD

    Two years ago I created this blog as a way to reach my fellow citizens to encourage people to engage with their elected government officials and to vote for good candidates. The hope is to achieve minor, positive movement in our communities. I like to keep my articles about local issues and the smaller candidates, so I can have a bigger effect. If I write an article about Brexit, the article will be worthless to my usual readers and cause no positive change. Every year in November I like to look back at my articles and see if the goal of the article was achieved. There is no way to know what kind of effect my article had, but at least in the victories I know that we (myself and loyal readers) will have done our part to help. So, without further ado, the Mountain State Middle Man report card for year two.

    WINS

13 West Virginia candidates that this blog backed won their elections.

Third party candidates were spoilers in 9 out of 18 elections across the state, in which they participated. Third party candidates received enough votes in those elections to sway the result. That goes both ways for Republicans and Democrats. I think this number could have been worse, so I'm counting it as a win.

A blog article written entirely about one of the Democrats who successfully flipped a House seat. Only one of five in the West Virginia House of Delegates. You could say that the West Virginia House of Delegates is a little less red this year, and a little more Lavender. The candidate herself worked hard, as did all of her volunteers. The election result was close. She won by about 250 votes. So, whatever minut effect the blog article may have had, I'm counting it as a win. As should everyone who worked hard to elect Cindy Lavender-Bowe. We all can claim her election as a win. She is going to be a great Delegate.

There was a blog article written about the Communications Workers of America and their strike last winter. The CWA won their strike, and that blog post was my second most viewed blog. I have no idea if the article helped, but I tried. WIN!

During my own campaign in the 2018 Democratic primary, one of my staple issues was that it is wrong that Social Security benefits are taxed at all. I lost the election, but that issue was elevated, and that issue was often discussed in the general election. Now, there isn't a candidate out there that would disagree in public, but I can't say for sure that the issue would have been brought up. So, in the face of uncertainty, all I can say is I tried with a blog article/campaign, and the issue was promoted by others as well. WIN! (hopefully a bill will make its way through the state Legislature, and West Virginia will no longer tax its senior citizen's Social Security Benefits)


    DEFEATS

31 West Virginia candidates that this blog backed lost their elections.

Amendment two passed with flying colors.

Amendment one passed.

Neither of the Supreme Court candidates that this blog backed won, and the worst possible candidates did win.

The legalization and taxation of recreational Marijuana is still illegal in West Virginia.


That is Mountain State Middle Man year in review. There are victories here that all can be proud of. There is a lot more work to do. The struggle continues. Thanks to everyone who read my articles, and thanks to everyone who took their civic duty seriously by voting and petitioning their government. Together, we can make a difference.



FYI my next article is going to be about the importance of recycling, and what I have done in my own life that I think others can replicate. Spoiler alert, you should recycle.




Tuesday, October 23, 2018

WHATS NEW WITH AMENDMENT 2?

     West Virginia's State Supreme Court Justices spent about 2 million dollars of the state's money to renovate their offices. That is an outrageous amount of money. West Virginian's have a right to be upset. The Supreme Court Justice's are being dealt with at this moment with impeachment trials due to the over spending. Two of the Supreme Court Justices have resigned, and so we get to vote to replace those two in the upcoming election. The West Virginia State Legislature has put on the ballot an amendment to deal with this issue of the Supreme Court over spending, Amendment 2.

 https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/new-wv-supreme-court-audit-shines-light-on-renovations-overpaying/article_5af9a21f-0303-559f-9a72-14bcfaf1ad9f.html

     Amendment 2, if approved, will grant the State Legislature a certain amount of power and oversight regarding the State Legislatures budget. See the West Virginia Metro News link below for more.

 http://wvmetronews.com/2018/03/19/for-or-against-2-proposed-constitutional-amendments-will-be-on-west-virginia-general-election-ballots/

     Granting the State Legislature more power over budgets is giving more responsibility to a government agency that can't get its own budget in balance, or in on time, year after year. Its swapping one group of over spenders to look after the states Supreme Court budget, with another group of individuals who are bad at completing budgets. 2018 was the first year in quite a while that the West Virginia State Legislature completed the budget on time (never mind my opinion on the budget's priorities). In 2017 it took the state legislature months of extra time to hammer out a budget. It took until June in 2016 as well.

http://wvmetronews.com/2018/03/10/wv-budget-set-for-passage-today-day-60-of-wv-legislative-session/
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/politics/wv-legislature-passes-budget-takes-million-in-one-time-funds/article_063067d2-6259-59d9-b95e-fa7cd847cf3a.html

     Granting the State Legislature power over the State Supreme Courts budget would give the party in power improper influence over the State Supreme Court, and potentially the Courts decisions. I don't care which side of the aisle you are on, that's a bad idea. If Republicans are in charge and have increased influence over the courts budget, Democrats wont like it. If Democrats are in charge and have increased influence over the courts budget, Republicans wont like it.

     The State Supreme Court needs to be responsible with their budget, no on will argue against that. Amendment 2 is the wrong way to bring the Supreme Court budget back to being reasonable. There is another way, and that's by electing experienced Judges with a proven track record to the State Supreme Court this election. Judges like Will Thompson and Joanna Tabit, both of whom are currently Circuit Judges. So I would encourage West Virginians to vote no on Amendment 2, and to vote for Judges Thompson and Tabit.

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Monday, October 1, 2018

TIME TO REVIEW THE WV SUPREME COURT CANDIDATES.

     In this upcoming election, the citizens of West Virginia will be able to vote for two of the 20 candidates for the West Virginia Supreme Court. There are two divisions, Division one and Division two. The difference between the divisions is which former WV Supreme Court Justice the candidates are seeking to replace. The candidates aren't permitted to say what they think about a great many subjects, so deciding which to vote for is even more difficult. I'm going to do a little google/facebook search on each candidate, to try and give some idea who you might want to vote for. Otherwise, you might have nothing to go on. Here are the subjects I'm interested in: profession, experience, and political party. On the ballot, the candidates will all be listed as non partisan.

http://services.sos.wv.gov/apps/elections/candidate-search/


Tim Armistead, Division 1: He is a Republican, and last legislative session, was the speaker of the house in the House of Delegates. Has been temporarily appointed to the Supreme Court temporarily by Governor Justice.

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/politics/nine-apply-for-interim-seat-on-wv-supreme-court/article_42788831-f61b-5751-b2ea-ee100fb10a3a.html

Harry Bruner Jr Division 1.: Profession: Lawyer. Watch his interview with WCHSTV.com on the link below. If elected, he says he will reduce his Supreme Court Justice salary from 136,000 to 36,000 dollars a year. He has a plan to reduce spending and increase transparency in the Supreme Court. Read all about it in the Herald link below.

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/opinion/harry-c-bo-bruner-jr-trust-in-the-state-supreme/article_da80a6a2-e7cd-5e3f-b47a-fb3d0cd1fab7.html
https://wchstv.com/news/kyc/wv-supreme-court-division-1/harry-bruner-division-1-west-virginia-supreme-court-candidate
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html

Robert Carlton Division 1Profession: Lawyer. I couldn't find much else.

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html

Jim Douglas Division 2Profession: Current Family Court Judge in Kanawha County. The Family court is one level down in the courts from the Circuit courts, and two levels down from the Supreme Court. Watch his interview on WCHSTV.com on the link below. Judge Douglas has some ideas that I find interesting. He became a Judge on the Kanawha County Family court on January 1, 2017. He is on the Democratic executive committee of Braxton County. See the "Williamson daily news" link below for more.

http://www.williamsondailynews.com/candidates/w-va-supreme-court-division-jim-douglas/article_ed43279a-271e-5c47-9ef7-a3016902b955.html
http://www.courtswv.gov/public-resources/press/familycourtJudgesMasterList2017.html#jimDouglas
https://wchstv.com/news/kyc/wv-supreme-court-division-2/jim-douglas-division-2-west-virginia-supreme-court-candidate
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html

Robert Frank Division 2Profession: Lawyer, with what looks to be his own law firm (unless there are two lawyers in Lewisburg with the name "Robert Frank), which you can look up on Facebook. He also has a candidate page on Facebook.

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html

Ronald Hatfield, Jr. Division 1Profession: Lawyer. I was unable to find anything else doing a facebook search and a google search.

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html

Mark Hunt Division 1: Democrat, Lawyer. Former Delegate in the WV House of Delegates. Ran for US Congress in 2016. Ran for WV State Senate in the 2018 Democratic primary. He founded his own Law firm. He also has been a legislative analyst for the Legislative services and counsel to the state auditor. His website says he has a reputation for being "tough on crime". See the Herald-Dispatch article link below for more. You can also check out his website for more: https://sy449-c321a1.pages.infusionsoft.net/

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/elections/wv_candidates/w-va-supreme-court-division-mark-hunt/article_80241376-bd16-11e8-98a8-1702dd88cbcf.html
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html

Evan Jenkins Division 2: Republican and until recently was the Congressman from West Virginia's third congressional district. Has been temporarily appointed to the Supreme Court temporarily by Governor Justice.

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/politics/nine-apply-for-interim-seat-on-wv-supreme-court/article_42788831-f61b-5751-b2ea-ee100fb10a3a.html

Jeffrey Kessler Division 2: Democrat, former WV State Senate President and one time candidate for Governor. Profession: Lawyer. Founding partner at "Berry, Kessler, Crutchfield, Taylor & Gordon LLC in Moundsville" He has served as a city attorney, Municipal Judge, and assistant prosecutor. See the Herald dispatch link below for more. He has been endorsed by the UMWA. See his website for more: https://www.jeffkesslerwv.com/
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/elections/wv_candidates/w-va-supreme-court-division-jeffrey-jeff-kessler/article_b56a3ed4-bd16-11e8-8e1a-0774a1a13ee1.html
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html

Hiram Lewis IV Division 1: Former Republican candidate for Attorney General. Profession: Lawyer. He has a facebook page, but I think its just a personal page.

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html

Brendan Long Division 2: Profession: Lawyer. You can watch his interview with WCHS TV by clicking on the link below.
https://wchstv.com/news/kyc/wv-supreme-court-division-2/brandon-long-division-2-west-virginia-supreme-court-candidate
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html
https://brendenlongcampaign.wixsite.com/campaign

Jim O'Brien Division 2: Profession: Lawyer. He has been a federal law clerk and assistant U.S. attorney for WV. You can check out his facebook page for more.

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html

D.C. Offutt, jr. Division 1: Profession: Lawyer. Unfortunately, my facebook and google search came up with nothing.

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html

William Schwartz Division 2: Profession: Lawyer. See the links below for more.

https://wvrecord.com/stories/511446471-charleston-attorney-schwartz-explores-run-for-state-supreme-court-seat
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html

Marty Sheehan Division 2: Profession: Lawyer. Likes to wear red shoes to court according the intelligencer article below.

http://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2018/09/redshoes-name-causes-west-virginia-supreme-court-ballot-issue-for-martin-sheehan/
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html

Dennise Renee Smith Division 2: Profession: Lawyer. She has also served as "staff attorney" for the State Legislature. See her interview with WCHS TV on the link below. Go to her website https://www.smithforthesupremecourt.com/ for more.

https://wchstv.com/news/kyc/wv-supreme-court-division-2/dennise-smith-division-2-west-virginia-supreme-court-candidate
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html

Joanna Tabit Division 1: Profession: Current Circuit Judge of Kanawha County. You can watch her interview with WCHSTV.com on the link below. She was a personal law clerk for the WV Supreme Court Justice Thomas McHugh. She has worked for the state attorney generals office. For more, go to her website https://judgejoannaforwv.com/ So far, her website and interviews have been impressive. Judge Tabit, as of the 2014 Charleston Gazette article, is a Democrat.

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/joanna-tabit-named-new-kanawha-county-circuit-judge/article_c74fda10-89b8-59cc-b068-52e72ad62498.html
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/elections/wv_candidates/w-va-supreme-court-division-joanna-i-tabit/article_7dc0c7c2-bd17-11e8-be9b-834333e7e8d8.html
https://wchstv.com/news/kyc/wv-supreme-court-division-1/joanna-tabit-division-1-west-virginia-supreme-court-candidate
http://www.courtswv.gov/public-resources/press/circuitJudgesMasterList2017.html#joannaTabit
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html

William Stewart Thompson Division 2: Profession: Current Circuit Judge of Boone County. You can watch an interview with him on the WCHSTV.com Link below. Judge Thompson seems to be passionate about West Virginia's opioid crisis, and helping people recover from their addictions. See his website https://www.judgewillthompson.com/ Watch the video about his drug court. Its a bit inspiring. His drug court is so successful, that he received congratulations from the President. He has been endorsed by the Teamsters.

https://wchstv.com/news/beyond-the-podium/william-thompson-division-2-west-virginia-supreme-court-candidate
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/elections/wv_candidates/w-va-supreme-court-division-judge-will-thompson/article_9743f25a-bd17-11e8-a801-2771fd08c261.html
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html

Chris Wilkes Division 1: Profession: Current Circuit Judge of Berkeley County. You can watch his interview on WCHSTV.com link below. Here is Judge Wilkes website: https://wilkesforsupremecourt.com/home.asp?s=about#about He does have an impressive resume. Judge Wilkes is a Republican according to the Charleston Gazette article below.

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/beane-wilkes-explore-state-supreme-court-bids/article_ee7447c5-3e98-5af3-b521-61100da8a710.html
https://wchstv.com/news/kyc/wv-supreme-court-division-1/chris-wilkes-division-1-west-virginia-supreme-court-candidate
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/elections/wv_candidates/w-va-supreme-court-division-chris-wilkes/article_af5966ae-bd17-11e8-a552-a37259100ae5.html
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html

Jeff Woods Division 1: Profession: Lawyer. U.S. Army JAG lawyer. Municipal court judge in Nitro, WV.

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/elections/wv_candidates/w-va-supreme-court-division-jeff-c-woods/article_c5f9c50c-bd17-11e8-b006-f70f45ecac5e.html
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/election_2018/two-more-including-ex-state-senate-leader-file-for-wv/article_506dd540-24a3-58ac-add2-7fdefc1afc96.html

My opinion:

     There are many good candidates here. Jeffrey Kessler, Jim Douglas and Jeff Woods I feel would make good additions to the Supreme Court. However, in my opinion they are not the best options. The Supreme Court shouldn't have a "on the job training" option. The best candidates come from the Circuit courts, which is the level of the state judicial system below the Supreme Court. There are three Circuit Court judges running for Supreme Court. William Stewart Thompson in Division 2. Joanna Tabit and Chris Wilkes in division 1.

     William Thompson's passion in tackling the opioid crisis is inspiring, and I will gladly vote for him in the upcoming election. Between Joanna Tabit and Chris Wilkes, each has there own advantages and disadvantages. Judge Wilkes has been a Circuit Court judge longer, but Judge Tabit has actually worked at the State Supreme Court before. I feel that the experience working at the Supreme Court and being a Circuit Court Judge is more important. My vote will go to Judge Tabit.


Saturday, September 15, 2018

THE CASE FOR CHANGE IN WEST VIRGINIA



     In every election, and I mean every election, one candidate always wins. "Did not vote" is the perennial winner. I think "did not vote" is the all time champion because of several reasons. Negative ad campaigns about candidates concerning issues that voters don't really care about drives down voter turnout. Parties focusing all their time and attention on divisive issues that have little meaning, while "kitchen table" issues like jobs/wages/health care/the opioid crisis get ignored. Voters end up having the belief that Democrats and Republicans are all the same, so why bother? With this blog article, I want to shine a light on the "kitchen table" issues, that really matter to everyone. Regardless of race, gender, orientation, age, etc. etc., these issues matter to you. I then want to bring up local candidates and their solutions for them. At the end of this article, I hope you agree that West Virginia needs a change, and are willing to vote for it.


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm#HD01

     1. West Virginia's opioid crisis continues to get worse.
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/health/number-of-fatal-drug-overdoses-in-surpasses-mark-in-wv/article_29ce51d5-df65-59ea-8816-642091e6490f.html

     Senator Stephen Baldwin from the 10th Senate district wants to make the pharmaceutical industry pay for flooding our state with opioids. The money would be used for treatment and recovery. He introduced a bill in the state senate to do just that. Unfortunately, it wasn't voted on.

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Senate1/lawmaker.cfm?member=Senator%20Baldwin


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Senate1/lawmaker.cfm?member=Senator%20Baldwin

     Major Richard Ojeda, who is running for the US House of Representatives in the third district of West Virginia, was the lead voice in getting medical cannabis through the West Virginia Senate, and wants to legalize medical cannabis nationally.

My opinion: If doctors are able to prescribe patients cannabis to begin with, we will have fewer patients who end up addicted to opioids, because they will have another option. Patients who are addicted to opioids may be able to use medical cannabis for recovery purposes.

https://voteojeda.com/platform_item/medical-cannabis/

West Virginia US Congressional District 3 (since 2013).tif

    Democratic Delegate Mick Bates from the 30th district in Beckley, introduced legislation to legalize cannabis this past session.

My opinion: The more people pick that the safer option of smoking marijuana over the more dangerous drugs such as alcohol, Meth and opioids, the fewer overdose deaths West Virginia will have. Hey Beckley! Pick Mick. http://www.pickmick.com/#about-mick

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Bates


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Bates

     The Democratic candidate from the 27th district Lacy Watson wants to decriminalize cannabis. With decriminalization comes less people in prisons, meaning a cost savings for the state. With fewer people in jail, more people will be able to live their lives working and paying taxes. https://www.lacywatson.us/


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm

P.S. It may seem like I mention Cannabis often in this article. Its because Cannabis can be a tool in our tool box that we use to work against the opioid crisis, that we arent using. In terms of dollars, the Opioid crisis costs West Virginia's economy 8.8 billion dollars a year. Its time for West Virginia to get serious about the Opioid crisis.

     2. West Virginia has the second highest unemployment rate in the country. while the poverty rate keeps getting higher.
https://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/west-virginia-s-poverty-rate-increases-to-percent/article_e6d75fd2-abb1-5e9f-bc55-dc45a3673b94.html

Jobs, jobs, jobs right? Sound familiar? Well, after 2 years of Jim Justice and the Republicans running things in the state legislature, we aren't 50th in jobs, we are 49th.



Richard Lindsay is running for the State Senate in the eighth district and wants to raise the minimum wage, which will cut down on the poverty rate.
https://www.lindsayforwv.com/


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm

Bibi Hahn, who is running for House of Delegates in the 58th district wants to raise the minimum wage, enact an "earned income tax credit" for working class West Virginians and wants to legalize recreational Marijuana which will bring thousands of new jobs to our state, which will drive down the unemployment rate.

https://www.bibihahn.com/economic-disaster-recovery-plan

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm



     3. Social Security benefits in West Virginia are taxed at the highest rate possible, while the Republicans in the state legislature continue to dream up new ways to give the wealthy more tax breaks.
http://time.com/money/4502741/social-security-state-taxes/

Democratic Delegate Tim Miley from the 48th district says he wants to eliminate the state taxes on Social Security benefits. Delegate Miley is currently the Democratic leader in the WV House of Delegates. If the Democrats take back control of the House of Delegates, I'd bet a tax break on Social Security benefits will happen.

http://www.wsaz.com/content/news/West-Virginia-Republicans-and-Democrats-prepare-for-2018-legislative-session-468523643.html


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/House/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Miley

I can also tell you that Democrat Cindy Lavender-Bowe who is running for the West Virginia House of Delegates in the 42nd district also wants to cut taxes on Social Security benefits. https://www.cindyforwv.com/


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm


As does Democrat Tom Tull from West Virginia's 38th district. https://www.tomtullwv.com/issues

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm

The Democratic candidate for the 14th Senate district, Stephanie Zucker, also wants to give social security benefits a tax break. https://www.zuckerforwv.com/let_s_put_seniors_survival_over_corporate_tax_breaks


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm
   

     4. West Virginia is last in the nation with "Labor Force Participation Rate."
http://lmi.workforcewv.org/  http://wvmetronews.com/2017/05/29/west-virginias-economic-recovery-restricted-bloomberg-columnist-says/

     To bring in thousands of new jobs to West Virginia, and to allow people who use marijuana to join the workforce without fear of failing a drug test (so they can join the labor force), Delegate Mike Pushkin wants to legalize recreational Marijuana. The more people earning a paycheck, the more tax revenue for the state.  http://www.timeswv.com/news/rallying-for-recreational-marijuana/article_13c4e744-f847-11e7-92c7-4b7400cf683d.html


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm

     Major Richard Ojeda, who is running for the US House of Representatives in West Virginia's third Congressional district, wants to decriminalize Cannabis nationally.

My opinion: If this happens, people who use Cannabis will be able to find a job without fear of being rejected due to a drug test. Thus, it will raise our "Labor Force Participation rate" and West Virginia will have more people going to work every day, paying taxes.

https://voteojeda.com/platform_item/medical-cannabis/

West Virginia US Congressional District 3 (since 2013).tif



     5. West Virginia has the second lowest amount of college graduates, and tuition keeps rising due to less funding from the state. In today's economy, its becoming more and more important to have a college degree, yet West Virginia is doing little to help its citizens attain the training they need to be successful.
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/23/the-10-most-and-least-educated-states-in-2018.html

Delegate Andrew Byrd from the 35th district introduced a bill this last session that would have given a tax break to people repaying their student loans.

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Byrd  

https://www.byrdforwv.com/


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Byrd

Democratic Delegate Larry L. Rowe from the 36th district introduced legislation to create a student loan forgiveness program for certain degrees and situations.

 http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Rowe


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Rowe

Major Richard Ojeda wants to make college more affordable for middle class families by lowering interest rates, and expanding federal aide to include more middle class families.

https://voteojeda.com/platform_item/college-affordability/


West Virginia US Congressional District 3 (since 2013).tif




     6. Even after the raise that the state legislature begrudgingly gave, Teachers and State employees are still paid at a very low rate. The five percent pay raise for teachers is about 2,000 dollars. That takes WV from being 46th in teacher pay, to tied for 44th. Just above Arizona, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Oklahoma. https://blogs-images.forbes.com/niallmccarthy/files/2018/05/20180509_Teacher_Pay.jpg You should note, that West Virginia is in competition with Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvannia, Maryland and Kentucky. We are still losing to our neighbors. The five percent pay raise will not stop the flow of teachers leaving our state.

     Democrats Sandy Shaw and Andrew Evans from the 28th district know Teachers and State employees need another pay raise to remain competitive with West Virginia's border states. They also know we have to permanently fix PEIA, a freeze is not good enough.
http://www.register-herald.com/news/state_region/primary/candidate-profile-sandy-shaw-west-virginia-house-district/article_16168c51-6a4d-5598-b0fc-3ed27531e6e2.html 

http://www.register-herald.com/news/state_region/primary/candidate-profile-andrew-evans-west-virginia-house-district/article_ca0d481a-50a4-11e8-ab5b-bba08ad2fdfd.html


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm



     7. West Virginia's unions are continually weakened by our state government. The "Right to work" was designed to cripple unions.
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/west-virginia/articles/2017-09-15/west-virginia-top-court-clears-right-to-work-law 

     Democratic candidate in the first Senate district William Ihlenfeld wants to repeal the "right to work" legislation that hurts our unions and citizens wages. See his facebook page for more.


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm

     The Democratic candidate from the 14th Senate district, Stephanie Zucker, also wants to repeal "right to work" legislation. https://www.zuckerforwv.com/making_west_virginia_work_for_working_people


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm


     8. West Virginia's state skilled workers have taken a pay cut, due to the repeal of "prevailing wage" which guaranteed a living wage for workers employed by the state.
http://www.wsaz.com/content/news/West-Virginia-House-to-vote-on-repeal-of-prevailing-wage-366679441.html

     Democrat Tom Tull from the 38th district wants to reinstate prevailing wage, because our tradesmen and women in this state have skills that West Virginia needs, deserve a living wage.

https://www.tomtullwv.com/issues


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm

     Democrat and Doctor Charles Sammons from the sixth Senate district wants to restore the Prevailing wage as well. Check out his facebook page for more.



http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm

Democrat Laura Finch from the 11th Senate district also wants to reinstate the Prevailing wage. See her facebook page for more.


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm



     9. West Virginia's Medicaid program continually faces potential cuts by the state legislature, and the US government continually threatens to take away health care from millions of citizens. Attorney General Morrisey, if elected, will vote to repeal the ACA, including the Medicaid expansion in West Virginia. Attorney General Morrisey also has a lawsuit against the US government that will repeal the affordable care act, including the Medicaid expansion.

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/legislative_session/wv-budget-analysis-senate-cuts-to-medicaid-made-up-elsewhere/article_57e1c1f1-09f1-554e-a503-432a0acf4e84.html 

https://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2018/jun/26/joe-manchin/did-patrick-morrisey-join-lawsuit-allow-insurers-d/

     West Virginia's Senator Joe Manchin has already voted to defend health care for West Virginians, and will continue to do so. He voted against the repeal of the ACA, which includes the Medicaid expansion in West Virginia. For more, go to https://joemanchinwv.com/the-issues/

     Major Richard Ojeda wants to create a "Public option" for people to be able to buy health insurance through the US government, on top of the insurance they can already purchase on the Affordable Care Acts market place. The public option would be more affordable than the private insurance families can buy now. For more, go to https://voteojeda.com/platform_item/healthcare/

West Virginia US Congressional District 3 (since 2013).tif


     10. West Virginia can do better.
https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/wvcbp/pages/502/attachments/original/1511178460/WVCBP_SOWWV2017-FINAL-.pdf?1511178460

   
     That's the point I want to make with this blog. West Virginia can do better, but only if we vote for it. To the progressives who are worried if the Democrats are worth showing up and voting for, this blog proves that they are. To the independents who wonder if the Democrats will actually stand up and work for the working class, this blog proves that they will, and have. To the working class voters who rarely vote, the Democrats have made helping the working class the priority in their campaigns. If you want a better West Virginia for all working class citizens, regardless of age, gender, religion, race, or orientation, then please, show up and vote for Democrats this election cycle. The fate of all working class West Virginians is in the balance.






Tuesday, August 21, 2018

STEPHEN BALDWIN FOR WV STATE SENATE!

   

     This November, West Virginia's 10th Senate district will decide who will be representing them in the West Virginia State Senate. We are currently represented by Senator Stephen Baldwin. A few things that most voters could tell you about the Senator are: 1. Senator Baldwin is a Presbyterian minister in Ronceverte, WV. 2. He is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. 3. He's a family man with a wife and an adorable little boy. 4. He is a Democrat. 5. Alongside his fellow Democrats, he stood up for Teachers and state employees in the Teacher strike earlier in 2018. 6. He has a Masters degree in Divinity from Vanderbilt University 7. He served the district as Delegate in the West Virginia House of Delegates previously 8. He has also served on the Greenbrier county School Board of Education.

     I first met Senator Baldwin a couple of years ago while attending a debate he was participating in as part of his 2016 campaign for Delegate. I've had conversations with the Senator, and I have always come away from those conversations with the feeling that West Virginia's 10th Senate district is in good hands. We may not always see eye to eye, but I know that the Senator is sincere and thoughtful concerning what he believes, and how he votes. For example, this past session, a bill was in front of the Senate that wanted to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in the state of West Virginia. The Amendment's purpose was to say that there is not a constitutional right to abortions in the state of West Virginia, with no exceptions. As I have stated before, the Senator is a Presbyterian Minister. The Senator wrestled with the decision of whether to vote for or against putting this amendment on the ballot. The Senator is pro-life, but chose to vote against the amendment because of the inclusion of "no exceptions". "No exceptions" means that rape, incest or scenarios threatening the life of the mother have no bearing on whether or not the state will allow an abortion to happen. The amendment punishes women in circumstances that may be out of their control and could threaten their lives. I applaud him for making this tough, and very considerate decision in an effort to look out for the health and well being of women. That's what the people of the 10th Senate district need, an individual that will do more than just take the "party line" on difficult issues. To read the Senate joint resolution 12, which is what the amendment is also known as, click the link below. Also, there is a video on the Senator's facebook page, where he discusses his difficult decision.

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=SJR12%20SUB1%20ENR.htm&yr=2018&sesstype=rs&billtype=JR&houseorig=S&i=12

     During the Democratic primary Senator Baldwin was endorsed by WVEA, WV State Police Troopers Association, UMWA, WVSSPA, AFL-CIO and by AFT.

     This past session, the Senator introduced/sponsored bills to:

 1. Drug test legislators.

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=104&year=2018&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

2. Establish tax credits for college graduates who remain in the state. I love this one, a sentiment I'm sure is shared by my fellow nurse and teacher friends.

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=105&year=2018&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

3. Legalize sports betting. This will bring in much needed revenue for the state from a previously illegal activity that was happening regardless.

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=106&year=2018&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

4. Provide teachers with tax credits for out of pocket classroom expenses.

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=538&year=2018&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

5. Put some of the responsibilty for our current Opioid crisis back onto the opioid manufacturers.
     
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=620&year=2018&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

6. Create a non partisian group to redistrict the house of delegates, when appropriate.

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/legislative_session/wv-senate-committee-passes-single-member-district-bill/article_52cdfc88-34d7-5f6b-8a23-83095b0ba416.html


7. Secure funding for additional stream gauges for earlier flood warnings.

http://www.wvva.com/story/38658460/2018/07/Monday/wv-senator-baldwin-secures-funding-for-additional-stream-gauges


There are other bills as well, but these were my favorites.

     Senator Baldwin knows that a good economy cures a lot of ills in our state. That's why Senator Baldwin worked to save "Train Days" in Hinton. He was talking with Amtrak and the Governor's office to come up with solutions for a problem that would have been economically devastating for both Hinton and West Virginia. Thanks to Senator Baldwin, and his colleagues, Hinton's "Train Days" will continue.

http://www.wsaz.com/content/news/Amtrak-to-stop-operating-special-trains-and-charter-moves-478395953.html

      Senator Baldwin is well aware that the Opioid crisis is the elephant in the room that needs be addressed. Here is a recent facebook statement from Senator Baldwin concerning the Opioid crisis:
     "People call me asking for help each day. It breaks my heart when I can’t help them. Last week, three people called me looking for drug treatment options for their family members. 
Lord willing, I can soon refer them to Recovery Point West Virginia’s planned Mount Hope facility. It will have 140 beds for an abstinence-based program with proven results. Unfortunately, the operational funds they expected to receive from the state aren’t there due to budget cuts over the last few years.
I worked with local officials to arrange a meeting today to get all the players around the same table. Everyone expressed a desire to make it happen one way or another.
The drug crisis costs us $8.8BILLION per year. We spend $53/day to incarcerate a person. We can treat a person for less than half that.
Our region desperately needs this important tool so we can begin rebuilding our fractured families."


     The Senator recommends everyone read this article about the epidemic in our home state: https://www.thenation.com/article/kids-watching-parents-die/

     Candidates during the Democratic primary were asked to provide a candidate profile, Senator Baldwin provided his to the local newspaper, and his facebook page, which is where I found it. Here it is:

"CANDIDATE PROFILE for BECKLEY REGISTER-HERALD
April 5, 2018
Senator Stephen Baldwin is a native and resident of Ronceverte. He is married to his college sweetheart, Kerry, and they have a son, Harrison, who is 18 months old.
Stephen serves as pastor of Ronceverte Presbyterian Church, where he leads the congregation and runs a faith-based community service program he created in 2011. He was elected to the Greenbrier County Board of Education in 2012, the House of Delegates in 2016, and appointed to the Senate in 2017.
He practices transparency by keeping folks updated on social media and via regular newspaper columns. The community knows him as a “genuine” guy with a “reasonable” approach to public service.
What are the three most important problems the Legislature needs to address?
First, as a pastor and new father I’m convinced of the importance of being pro-all-of-life. Politicians in Charleston rightfully want to protect the unborn. As they absolutely should. But they lose focus on the value of life after that. What about children who go hungry when they’re not in school? What about abused and neglected children who are protected by agencies that have seen budget cut after budget cut? What about high school graduates who cannot find jobs here? What about women’s health care and the rare but real circumstances where childbirth threatens their lives? What about seniors who cannot afford their prescriptions? We must be pro-all-of-life. Numbers on spreadsheets and words on bills do not convey the weight of the fact that the legislature makes decisions that affect our lives. I believe in protecting the sacred value of life. All of it.
Second, we must enact a reasonable plan to stem the drug crisis. Law enforcement works hard every day on cutting the “supply” of drugs. We need to simultaneously focus our efforts on “demand.” We need treatments facilities, faith-based recovery programs, and drug courts. I offered a bill to pay for it all at no cost to taxpayers, by imposing a fine on the companies who made fortunes off our misery by selling millions of pills to every little town across the state, but the legislature rejected it. They were afraid of upsetting the drug companies. Unbelievable! Once folks are clean, they need jobs. A job provides purpose and hope for the future. It’s time for us to embrace the modern economy--tourism, creativity, technology, healthcare, rare metals (which power our technology), and industrial hemp. In doing so, we can improve our economy and stem the drug crisis in one fell swoop.
Third, the legislature itself is a big part of the problem. They are elected to help us, the people. But all too often, they use their office to help themselves. I’ve proposed and supported term limits, fully open primaries, campaign finance reforms, drug testing of legislators, and ending special session pay. Until we are represented by a group of our best and brightest who are there to help, without any personal agenda, we will not move forward as a state. No matter which party is in charge. The real issue is that we need good, genuine people who will be transparent about the policy choices they make. So please get out and vote!"


     
     It is clear from Senator Baldwin's bills and actions, where his priorities are: helping the working class, flood damage mitigation/recovery, adding revenue to our state budget and ending the opioid crisis. Senator Baldwin is exactly the person that the West Virginia 10th Senate district needs. That's why I will proudly vote for Senator Baldwin in November, and that's why I'm asking you to vote for him as well. If you want a West Virginia that works for the working class, that cares about the future, that wants a West Virginia that can support young people's dreams and aspirations, then you need to vote this November. I encourage you to vote for Senator Baldwin. Change only comes when we fight for it.

If you would like to read more about Senator Baldwin, search for "Senator Stephen Baldwin - WV" on facebook.




No automatic alt text available.


https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/health/wv-senate-nixes-proposal-to-force-drug-firms-to-disclose/article_709f6d4b-4ac1-5673-b1f1-3acbf18dc812.html

https://ballotpedia.org/West_Virginia_Amendment_1,_No_Right_to_Abortion_in_Constitution_Measure_(2018)

https://mountainmessenger.com/primary-review/


http://www.register-herald.com/news/q-a-stephen-baldwin-jr----democratic-candidate/article_f1a4d9cc-e331-593d-8ffa-35c109347cf1.html


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Senate1/lawmaker.cfm?member=Senator%20Baldwin

Monday, August 13, 2018

THIRD PARTY OPTIONS FOR WEST VIRGINIA RESIDENTS

     This upcoming election in November will feature the two returning perennial contenders, the Republicans vs the Democrats. However, West Virginia also has third parties, meaning parties other than the mainstays. These parties include "the Mountain Party", "the Libertarian party," etc. etc. Voters may wonder if they should vote for the third party, and information isn't easily available. Now, I'm a fierce defender of the people's right to vote for who they like, not settling for candidates of the major parties. Having said that, in the recent special election in Ohio's 12th congressional district, 1,100 people voted for the green party candidate. A Green party candidate that may, or may not, believe he is descended from Aliens. From another planet, not illegal aliens from Mexico. He is certainly something of a conspiracy theorist. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2018/08/09/green-party-candidate-says-he-might-be-part-alien-doesnt-care-if-he-spoils-ohio-election/?utm_term=.a640e26140aa 

     If people are going to vote for third party candidates, we really should know who we are voting for. The voting machine only tells you the candidates name, party, and what town they're from. So, I thought I would do the voters of West Virginia a favor, and review these races. So, without further ado, lets begin!


U.S. Senate:

Democrat: Senator Joe Manchin. Centrist Joe Manchin votes with the Republicans 60 percent of the time. He is the most conservative Democrat. If he were a Republican, he would be the most Liberal Republican. If you're a West Virginian, you know who Joe Manchin is. Senator Manchin defends Social Security Benefits and Medicare. Senator Manchin voted against the recent tax cuts passed by the Republican Congress. Senator Manchin knows that America cant afford the gigantic tax cut for the wealthy that the Republicans passed. Senator Manchin has in the past spoken out against wars, saying that the money spent in Afghanistan and Iraq could be better spent here in West Virginia, for West Virginians. Senator Manchin has voted to approve more appointees in the Trump Administration than any other Democrat.

https://joemanchinwv.com/

Republican: Patrick Morrisey. Attorney General Morrisey used to be a pharmaceutical lobbyist and his wife still is. Patrick Morrisey is not from West Virginia, he is from New Jersey. He is not a serious candidate, I know because on the first page that comes up on his website is a picture of Hillary Clinton. AG Morrisey is playing politics, right from the word go. Hillary Clinton is sitting at home, she has nothing to do with the U.S. government, there is no reason even to mention her. Other than to score cheap, meaningless political points. A serious candidate would care about the issues more.

https://patrickmorrisey.com/
https://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2018/mar/27/closer-look-patrick-morriseys-family-ties-big-phar/

Libertarian: Rusty Hollen. Wants to legalize cannabis, in his words.Wants to abolish income tax. He is anti-war. He is against the Trump tariffs, and any tariffs. He is for the legalization of prostitution. It looks like he is against the series of travel bans that the Trump Administration has put into effect.

     Contrary to what many may have heard, these are the candidates on the Secretary of State's website. There are rumors about other candidates, but this is the list of candidates.

My advice: Senator Joe Manchin is not the perfect candidate, but he has my vote. I like some of what the Libertarian Rusty Hollen says, but abolishing the income tax is an awful idea that would be devastating for the country.


U.S. House of Representatives District 2

- Wikipedia

Democrat: Talley Sargent is from Huntington West Virginia. Worked for Senator Rockefeller in his Capitol office. She went from there to work for the U.S. State department, fighting human trafficking and modern day slavery around the world. She wants every West Virginian to have health care. She believes the age Americans should be eligible for Medicare should be lowered to 50. She is against the recent tax cuts passed by the Republican Congress to benefit the wealthy. She was endorsed by the Charleston Gazette in the Democratic primary election.

http://talleysergent.com/
https://ballotpedia.org/Talley_Sergent
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/opinion/gazette_opinion/editorial/gazette-endorsement-talley-sergent-in-democratic-primary-for-congress/article_9e50429e-7e18-5fc4-b518-c61a1bdf4a81.html

Republican: Alex Mooney has worked hard to defund the ACA, and is proud of it. Alex Mooney is proud of voting to reduce taxes on the wealthy and corporations. Alex Mooney has proposed to defund stream protection. Alex Mooney is also against protecting the Ozone. All this you can find on his website. Now for things you wont find on his website. During the 2016 flood that devastated West Virginia, Alex Mooney was absent. His attention was elsewhere when his constituents were in trouble. Also Alex Mooney has defended the separation of children from their parents on the Mexican border.

https://mooney.house.gov/ 
http://wvmetronews.com/2016/06/30/wheres-mooney-been/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2016/06/30/are-west-virginias-floods-the-result-of-climate-change-and-a-congressman-gone-awol/#26069f5b3389  
http://wvmetronews.com/2018/06/22/mooney-fires-back-at-trumps-critics-over-separation-policy/


Mountain Party: Daniel Lutz Jr. He is a Vietnam War veteran, a retired Major of the Air Force. He favors a single payer national health care system for all Americans. Unfortunately, I was unable to find out much more. See the links below for a few more details.

http://www.mountainpartywv.com/1911-2/
http://morgancountyusa.org/?p=3613

My advice: I would vote for Talley Sergeant in the 2nd district race. I like what I could find about Daniel Lutz, but I wasn't able to find much.

WV State Senate District 4

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm

Democrat: Brian Prim is against "right to work" and the repeal of "prevailing wage." His law firm is working with other local businesses to help area students with getting school supplies. Brian Prim is endorsed by AFT in the general election. He was endorsed by the AFL CIO in the primary. He is your generic Democrat.

https://www.wowktv.com/news/local-news/wowk-tv-works-to-fill-the-bus-for-the-2018-2019-school-year/1339151464

Republican: Eric Tarr is a Physical Therapist. He is your generic Republican. Pro gun rights, anti choice, anti taxes on anybody, doesn't think "elective health care is a right", He works on the chamber of commerce in Putnam county. Mr. Tarr is a continuation of what is in the Senate right now. For more, go to his website https://www.ericjtarrwvsenate.com/

https://www.mydailyregister.com/news/27478/meet-the-candidates-gop-state-senate-race 

Independent: Amy Grady is a teacher who is not interested in having the teacher's union (AFT) endorsement. She states she would have declined the endorsement because she says ".the union voted to demand that all of its endorsed candidates support universal health care, free tuition at public colleges, free child care, and taxing the rich to fund schools..." To expect all of these things is irresponsible and unrealistic." That's from her campaign's facebook page. She says that she decided to run during the Teacher work stoppage. That we need more teachers and women in elected office. 
https://www.mydailyregister.com/top-stories/25135/teacher-takes-on-state-senate

My advice: I would vote for Brian Prim. I don't know Amy Grady, but I'm sure she is a nice person. She sees there are problems, and wants to help. I applaud her for that. However, Mr. Prim has been endorsed by the AFT, and fixing our state through politics has been a passion for him for years now. Do a google search and you will find articles about him running for office in 2016. He cares about the working class, and I hope the good people of the 4th Senatorial district elect him in November.

West Virginia House of Delegates District 2

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm

Democrat: Delegate Phillip Diserio is a retired electrician. He was the President of the Brooke county labor council, the regional planning commission, former member of the West Virginia Parkway Authority and member of the IBEW. He is against "right to work" and the repeal of "prevailing wage", that's me reading between the lines. Delegate Disero doesn't say he is against "right to work" and the "repeal of prevailing wage." Delegate Diserio was endorsed by just about every organized labor group there is. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you what legislation Delegate Diserio has worked on, because I cant find it on the Legislature's website. He may not have created any legislation. Check for yourself http://www.wvlegislature.gov/House/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Diserio Also, check out Delegate Diserio's website for more: https://www.phildiserio.com/about

Independent: Trevor Barnhart says that he is running as an independent because he feels there is too much inparty fighting and wants to represent the people, and not a party. He is 25 and a father of two. He is for decriminalizing all drugs. He states that he supported the Teachers 100 percent during the work stoppage. https://wtov9.com/news/local/theres-a-new-name-in-the-running-for-west-virginias-house-of-delegates 

My advice: I would probably vote for Phillip Diserio. He has a mountain of experience working for the state of West Virginia, and I would not want to lose that. Having said that, Trevor Barnhart seems like a nice guy.

West Virginia House of Delegates District 6

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm#HD01

Democrat: T. Chris Combs wants to repeal "right to work." Chris Combs is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the laborers International Union of North America. During the primary he was endorsed by the building and construction trades PAC, the AFL CIO, the UMWA, the WVSSPA PAC, AFT. He is against the recent tariffs because they lead to higher costs to consumers. He is a strong supporter of "right to life" and the second amendment. He is against co-tenancy, that's where natural gas companies can take your natural gas against your wishes. He stood with the teachers during the work stoppage. Chris Combs has run previously for the House of Delegates. Most of this you can find on his campaign facebook page.

http://www.tylerstarnews.com/page/content.detail/id/563062/Four-Candidates-Vie-for-W-Va--Delegate-Position.html?nav=5008

Republican: David Kelly is a former correctional officer, deputy and Sheriff for two terms. He served as chairman for the legislative committee for the WV Sheriffs association. He is also a pastor at a local church. He is currently on the Tyler county commission. He supports the constitutional amendment on the ballot this November. Endorsed by the West Virginians for life. During the primary he was endorsed by the WV Farm PAC. He received a high rating from the NRA. His statements on his facebook page supported teachers and public employees during the work stoppage.

http://www.tylerstarnews.com/page/content.detail/id/562839/Kelly-Announces-Bid--For-W-Va--House-Seat.html?nav=5008

Independent: J. Scott Beaver is an Air Force veteran and a former member of the AFL CIO. He wants to increase the taxes on Natural gas. http://www.tylerstarnews.com/page/content.detail/id/563062/Four-Candidates-Vie-for-W-Va--Delegate-Position.html?nav=5008 For more, go to http://beaver4wv.com/

My advice: This race is tough. Democrat Chris Combs is pro worker, but anti choice. What does being a strong supporter of the 2nd amendment mean? Republican David Kelly is an experienced public servant, and may be more pro-worker than many of his Republican colleagues, but he is endorsed by right to life and also received a high rating from the NRA. There is not as much separation there as a progressive would like. The independent Scott Beaver is a Veteran, which makes me (a veteran) feel some degree of loyalty to. I like the idea of taxing the Natural gas industry more, and my light investigative journalism cant find anything that reveals him to be a weirdo. I think the people of the WV HOD district 6 are safe to vote for Scott Beaver if they would like to.

West Virginia House of Delegates District 13

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm#HD01

Democrat: Delegate Scott Brewer is a union carpenter. During this past session he created bills intended to reduce taxes on working families, to help veterans and displaced coal miners find jobs, to re-establish prevailing wage, to repeal right to work. He stood with the teachers, state employees and CWA during their recent struggles. He is against co-tenenacy, which would force landowners to sell natural gas rights. He is a board member on the Mason County Economic Development Authority and the Charleston Area Alliance Economic Development Committee. He is a member of the Union Sportsman Alliance.

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Brewer
https://www.scottbrewer.net/

Republican: Scott Cadle is endorsed by the right to life, and during the primary was endorsed by the WV BIC. He is a small business owner. He is a member of the NRA, and the 505 local teamsters union. I found this information on his campaign's facebook page.

Republican: Delegate Joshua Higginbotham was born in 1996. He is attending the University of Charleston in History and Political Science. Member of the NRA, the Putnam county Farm Bureau. He had one piece of legislation regarding medical monitoring this past session. His website, at the time I'm writing this, is pretty blank. Check it out for yourself. https://www.higginbothamwv.org/ 

http://wvmetronews.com/2018/05/07/young-delegates-say-population-drop-lack-of-jobs-inspiration-for-entering-state-politics/

Independent: Todd Mullins is a custodian at Leon elementary. He took part in work stoppage demonstrations in Charleston. He is a member of the 4-H club. I found this information on his campaign's facebook page.

My advice: You can vote for two, I would recommend only voting for Delegate Scott Brewer. The Independent Todd Mullins is my second choice, only if you feel you have to utilize your second vote.

West Virginia House of Delegates District 15


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm#HD01

Democrat: Casey Horton works at habitat for humanity according to Ballotopedia. According to his facebook page, it looks like he is for the legalization of recreational Cannabis. He is for teachers and state employees. Unfortunately, I was unable to find more.

Republican: Delegate Geoff Foster is a construction worker. It doesn't look like he created any legislation this past session. Delegate Foster is the assistant Majority leader in the House. I was unable to find a website or facebook page for the Delegates campaign. Feel free to search for yourself. Good luck.

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?ember=Delegate%20Foster,%20G

Independent: Theresa Jackson is a Teacher and a mother. She went to the "Pride parade" in Charleston on June 2nd. She is for legalizing recreational cannabis. She has been a consistent supporter and promoter of Teachers and State employees issues. I found this information on her Campaign's facebook page.

My advice: I really like the Jackson campaign, not enough however to vote for her. I like the Democrat nearly as well, and I feel his chances of winning are much better. The information in this race is anemic.

West Virginia House of Delegates District 22


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm#HD01

Democrat: Bill Bryant says he supports coal 100 percent on his campaigns facebook page. He wants lower taxes for all West Virginians. He has a degree from Marshall University.

Democrat: Gary McCallister is endorsed by the AFL CIO and the UMWA in the primary. I couldn't find a web page of any sort dedicated to his campaign.

Republican: Joseph Jeffries is a truck driver. He belongs to the Putnam county Republican club, Culloden fire department, and the West Virginia Citizens Defense League. He wants more spending cuts in the state budget. He would like to see armed teachers in class rooms. West Virginia needs to end "gun free zones", He is for Medical Marijuana. for more go to http://www.herald-dispatch.com/elections/wv_candidates/w-va-house-candidate-joe-jeffries-r/article_9f4a767e-3291-11e8-9b80-6bc3b681b0f1.html

Republican: Delegate Zack Maynard created two pieces of legislation this past session. To exempt veterans from property tax and regarding natural gas taxes. He has a business degree from WVU Tech (go golden bears!) He is a member of the NRA, West Virginians for life, the Lincoln county economic development authority and the farm bureau. His facebook page says he is Pro-life, Pro-gun and Pro-coal. He was endorsed by the West Virginians for life, the West Virginia Coal Association, the WV citizens defense league, the NRA, and endorsed by the AFL CIO in the primary.

Independent: Delegate Jeff Eldridge is a Social Worker, who has earned degrees from Marshall University. This past session he has sponsored legislation to make the bible the official book of West Virginia, to exempt social security benefits from income tax, and to aide the Hemp industry in WV. In 2009 he wanted to make selling Barbie dolls in WV illegal. Eldridge was a Democrat, until recently when he lost a primary race for Lincoln county commission in May. He then switched to Independent so he could run in the general election as an Independent.

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/blankenship-not-alone-in-switching-parties-after-wv-primary-defeats/article_bcfc5e67-0e52-5c44-a425-ac8ee894bf40.html
http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Eldridge
http://www.wsaz.com/home/headlines/40657447.html

My advice: DON'T VOTE FOR THE INDEPENDENT! There is a blinking red light. Please vote for the Democrats.

West Virginia House of Delegates District 27


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm#HD01

Democrat: Carol Bailey is a retired teacher. She has been endorsed by AFT and AFL CIO for the general election. You can find out more on her facebook page.

Democrat: Phoebe Meadows has been endorsed by AFT, Building and construction trades union, and the AFL CIO for the general election. She is also a teacher.

Democrat: Lacy Watson I have met personally, and can tell you I thought he was a nice guy. He has been endorsed by AFT and the AFL CIO for the general election.

Republican: Delegate Joe Ellington Jr. sponsored legislation to allow persons other than nurses to administer medications. Delegate Ellington is a Doctor. It does not appear that Delegate Ellington has a campaign website.

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Ellington

Republican: Eric Porterfield is for "right to work", he is anti choice, he is pro traditional family ( I interpret that as anti homosexual, though I could be wrong), anti prevailing wage. He wants to ease regulations on coal and natural gas. He is a preacher. He says tougher laws are whats needed to solve the opioid crisis. See more here, http://www.register-herald.com/news/candidate-profile-eric-porterfield-house-district/article_a133ba54-51d1-11e8-a22c-5fb381dcf5e7.html

Republican: Delegate John Shott sponsored legislation that would hurt weekend pay for school service personnel HB4231, he also sponsored legislation to modify misdeamenor bail requirements (good job!), He has received donations from the oil and gas industry, we know that because of the incident where he had Lisa Lucas removed from the House of Delegates chamber because she was pointing out that many legislaters receive funding from the Coal/gas industries. Delegate Shott is a lawyer, served on the Mercer board of education, served on many boards and committees outside the House of Delegates. I found much of this information on the Delegates facebook campaign page.

ttp://www.wsaz.com/content/news/WV-House-of-Delegates-candidate-removed-from-floor-473841193.html 

Mountain: Karen White I couldn't find a thing, other than she is running.

My advice: Vote for the Democrats. Simply being in the Mountain party is not worth your vote.

West Virginia House of Delegates District 31

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm#HD01

Democrat: Rick Snuffer II has been endorsed by the AFL CIO and AFT for the general election.

Republican: Christopher Toney I was unable to find much information. http://www.register-herald.com/news/state_region/primary/toney-ousts-adkins-for-republican-nomination-in-house-district/article_b9b28a6e-5335-11e8-98f6-836b6a13231c.html

Libertarian: Carlos Walker restores classic cars. Refuses to accept endorsements. He wants to reduce state spending. He wants to repeal regulations. He wants to legalize cannabis. He does not support funding PEIA with taxpayer money. He is as true a Libertarian as I have ever seen. For more, go to http://www.williamsondailynews.com/pih/pi_candidates/w-va-house-candidate-carlos-walker-l/article_1d37aa2c-4e06-11e8-9e61-dfd9e53b3305.html

My advice: Vote for Rick Snuffer

West Virginia House of Delegates District 32

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm#HD01

Democrat: Melvin Kessler has been endorsed by the AFL CIO and AFT for the general election. He has been a delegate before. I have met Mr. Kessler at a protest outside the offices of Senator Capito and Congressman Jenkins office. We were protesting that day for many reasons, but one was that the US Congress could work to pass a tax reduction for the wealthy, but hadn't re-certified the CHIP program yet. 

http://www.register-herald.com/news/state_region/primary/candidate-profile-mel-kessler-west-virginia-house-of-delegates-district/article_db122c14-50a6-11e8-b36c-5b41008f87ca.html

Democrat: Luke Lively has been endorsed by the AFL CIO and AFT for the general election. He has worked for Alpha Natural Resources, and the department of agriculture before. He currently works for century 21. He believes that additional revenue could be raised by taxing tobacco at a higher rate. Look him up on his facebook page.

Democrat: Margeret Staggers has been endorsed by the AFL CIO and AFT for the general election. She is a Doctor and a former Delegate. She is against the constitutional amendment on the November ballot, but is also pro-life. She is against sports betting. Look her up on her facebook page.

Republican: Delegate Tom Fast believes that President Obama gives out secret Muslim hand signals. Thats unreal. For more go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLUKFFsRbtE

Republican: Austin Haynes was born in 1997. He is a insurance agent. He is endorsed by West Virginians for life. He is very pro gun and does not believe that bump stocks should be banned. He has previously received an A rating from the NRA. For more go to http://www.register-herald.com/news/state_region/primary/candidate-profile-austin-haynes-west-virginia-house-of-delegates-district/article_617b7d23-afc9-5e0b-b164-fa536b8a1f8d.html or search for his campaign facebook page.

Republican: Delegate Kayla Kessinger created legislation to prohibit state funding of abortions. She is a member of West Virginians for life, Friends of Coal, Fayette county republican executive committee. She was endorsed by the NRA, WV Citizens Defense League, and the farm bureau during the primary election. For more, go to http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Kessinger or search for her on facebook.

Mountain: David Pritt is a Air Force veteran. He is a student at Concord University. He is for the legalization of recreational Marijuana. He supports the "Black Lives Matter" message. He wants to repeal right to work. He supports the LGBTQ community. He supports health care for all. He is as liberal a candidate as you are likely to see. For more, go to https://www.pritt4house.com/

http://www.register-herald.com/news/hopefuls-deliver-their-pitch-to-voters/article_731a61ca-b6f5-5081-8bc7-6c610883a5e0.html 

My advice: I'd make David Pritt, the Mountain Party candidate my number one vote. I'd also vote for Mr. Kessler and Mr. Lively. 

West Virginia House of Delegates District 39

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm#HD01

Democrat: David Holmes has been endorsed by the AFL CIO, building and construction trades, International Union of Operating Engineers, Professional Fire Fighters of WV, UMWA, WV CWA, WVEA, WVSSPA, WV Sheriffs Association and AFT for the general election. He wants an annual 3 percent pay raise for Teachers and State employees. He wants to fully fund PEIA. He wants to repeal right to work. He wants to re-instate prevailing wage. He is a member of the NRA, the WV Citizen Defense League, the WV rifle and pistol association. He is opposed to logging in state parks. For more, go to https://www.wvwoody.com/blank-page

Republican: Delegate Sharon Malcom doesn't have any sponsored legislation listed. Look for yourself. http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Malcolm She was appointed to her seat on March 23, 2018. She has a campaign page on facebook, but it doesnt say much.

Independent: Dana Ferrell is anti choice, pro 2nd amendment. He has a masters degree from Marshall University. For more go to http://danaferrellwv.com/about/

Mountain: Jesse Johnson. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any information.

My advice: The choice is clear. Vote for the Democrat David Holmes! Sissonville is where I grew up. I hope they agree with my assessment.

West Virginia House of Delegates District 44

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm#HD01

Democrat: Delegate Dana Lynch has been endorsed by the AFL CIO and AFT for the general election. This past session he sponsored legislation to teachers pensions from income tax. He has been President of the following: Little League Football, Webster Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Webster County Fair Board of Directors, Nicholas Shrine Club, Nicholas Motor Corps Association of West Virginia Assessors and the West Virginia Association of County Officials; Member, American Legion Post #62; Member, Richwood Moose Lodge #770; Member, Masonic Lodge #116; Member, Beni Kedem Shrine; Member, Scottish Rite Bodies. 

Republican: Caleb Hanna is 17 according to his facebook campaign page. 

Mountain: Barbara Daniels has a Bachelors of Science in Soil resource management from U.C. Berkeley. She wants to secure our voting systems and she wants to keep WV wild and wonderful. For more go to http://www.register-herald.com/news/state_region/primary/candidate-profile-barbara-daniels-house-of-delegates-district/article_6633ec10-50a7-11e8-950f-3b66ed6a34f1.html 

My advice: Vote for the Democrat Dana Lynch. 

West Virginia House of Delegates District 48

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm#HD01

Democrat: Robert Garcia has been endorsed by the AFL CIO and AFT for the general election. 

Democrat: Delegate Richard Iaquinta has been endorsed by the AFL CIO and AFT for the general election. Education B.S., Fairmont State University; M.S.E.,West Virginia University affiliations ; Knights of Columbus; Sons of Italy; Immaculate Conception Church Alter Server; Greater Clarksburg 10K Race Official; WI Middle School Football Volunteer; WVEA; Harrison County Retired Teachers Association; NEA; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 73; American Legion, Post 13 Other Public Service YMCA Basketball; Mountain State 22. He is also an Army veteran. For more, go to http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Iaquinta

Democrat: Derek McIntyre has been endorsed by the AFL CIO, WVSSPA and AFT for the general election.

Democrat: Delegate Tim Miley has been endorsed by the AFL CIO and AFT for the general election. He is also a promoter of eliminating taxes on social security benefits. Education B.B.A., (Finance), Southern Methodist University; J.D., Duquesne University Affiliations Member, West Virginia State Bar; Harrison County Bar Association; West Virginia Association for Justice; American Association for Justice; Harrison County Chamber of Commerce Delegate Miley is currently the Minority leader in the House of Delegates. He stood with the CWA workers during their recent struggles for job security. He fought for teachers and state employees this past legislative session. For more, go to http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Miley

Republican: Delegate Danny Hamrick sponsored the bill to "Exempt the consumer sales and service tax and use tax for services for the repair, remodeling and maintenance of certain aircraft."  Its the one piece of silly legislation that has had memes created in honor of it. 
For more, go to http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Hamrick

Republican: Delegate Ben Queen is a photographer and currently attends WVU. He was born in 1995. I don't see that he has sponsored any legislation in the past session. See for yourself  http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Queen  You can search on facebook for further positions he has taken, but I didn't see any. 

Republican: Debra Shrieves has a campaign page on facebook, but it just has pictures of her standing in front of an America flag.

Republican: Terry Waxman has a website you can check out, http://www.waxmanforwv.com/ I think I can sum it up for her. She believes in God and lower taxes.

Libertarian: Will Hyman is for the legalization of recreational marijuana. He is for reducing the size of the West Virginia state government. For more, go to http://www.willhymanforwv.com/index.html

No Affiliation: Clay Riley, I found no information. 

My advice: Vote for the Democrats.

West Virginia House of Delegates District 50

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm#HD01

Democrat: Michael Angelucci has been endorsed by the AFL CIO and AFT for the general election. He is an EMT. For more go to http://www.timeswv.com/news/angelucci-to-run-for-house-of-delegates/article_c7d326c6-fe8a-11e7-9749-ff117fb3a3d1.html 

Democrat: Delegate Mike Caputo has been endorsed by the AFL CIO and AFT for the general election. I can tell you that some of my favorite speeches on "Legislature today" were given by Mike Caputo. 

Democrat: Delegate Linda Longstreth has been endorsed by the AFL CIO and AFT for the general election.

Republican: Phillip Mallow is for less regulation and lower taxes. He has a website, but when you click on the issues icon, nothing happens. I didn't find a facebook page either. He does say that we need to fight President Obama's war on coal. Someone should tell him that Obama is no longer our President.

Republican: Delegate Guy Ward sponsored legislation that would give towns the opportunity to tax beer, to increase the penalty for wearing a mask while committing a crime. Affiliations Fairmont Rotary; White Hall Kiwanis; Fairmont Lions; West Virginia Three Rivers Festival; Marion County Historical Society; Valley Falls State Park Foundation; Woodlawn Cemetery; Marion County CVB; Region VI Planning and Development He states on his facebook campaign page that he supported teachers from the beginning, and rebelled against his own party. 

For more, go to http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Ward.

Independent: John Dodds supports the legalization of Medical Marijuana. He wants all police officers to wear body cameras. For more go to http://www.jondoddswv.com/

My advice: Vote for the Democrats. 

West Virginia House of Delegates District 53


http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm#HD01


Democrat: Cory Chase has been endorsed by the AFL CIO and AFT for the general election. He is a small business owner. He graduated from WVU with a Bachelors degree in Liberal Arts. Cory currently serves on three boards in the area: New Davis Renaissance Group (Treasurer), Blackwater Bicycle Association (Treasurer), and Tucker County Development Authority (Board Member).  
He is against for profit prisons, he is for a single payer health care system, he wants a pay raise for all public employees, he is for industrial hemp. For more, go to https://chaseforwv.com/issues/

Republican: Delegate Buck Jennings sponsored legislation that would "Provide no requirement to perform or host a marriage ceremony that does not conform to sincerely held religious beliefs" HB 4010. 
His facebook page is almost empty. For more, go to http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Jennings

Libertarian: Austin Zuchowski wants to fight for a flexible curriculum for teachers, a conservative budget, and do away with licensing restrictions. Those are his words on his facebook page. That's what I could find. 

My advice: Vote for the Democrat Cory Chase.

West Virginia House of Delegates District 58

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm#HD01

Democrat: Bibi Hahn has been endorsed by the AFL CIO and AFT for the general election. She is against the Trans Canada/Mountaineer Gas Potomac pipeline project. She is for Recreational Marijuana. Increase taxes on the wealthy. Pay teachers better than neighboring states. See her facebook page for more.

https://morgancountyusa.org/?p=3190

Republican: Darryl Cowles is in favor of the Trans Canada/Mountaineer Gas Potomac pipeline project. https://morgancountyusa.org/?p=3190  For more, go to http://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Cowles 

Independent: Kent McCumbee doesn't appear to have a campaign online presence.

My advice: Vote for the Democrat, Bibi Hahn

West Virginia House of Delegates District 63

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Districts/maps.cfm#HD01

Democrat: Sam Brown has been endorsed by the AFL CIO, the WVEA, WVSSPA, UMWA, AFT and many more for the general election. He graduated from Shepherd University with a BS in Political Science. He wants to reduce the natural gas tax. He wants to eliminate the business inventory tax. He wants to increase teacher pay to compete with the surrounding states. For more, go to https://www.sambrownwv.com/

Republican: John Hardy is a U.S. Army veteran. He is a small business owner. He wants to eliminate taxes on Social Security and retirement income. He also wants to get rid of the inventory tax. He wants pay raises for teachers. He wants to open up options for federal health insurers (is he talking about Obamacare?) He is pro life. He is a member of the NRA and the WV Citizens Defense League. For more, go to https://johnhardyforwvdelegate.com/  

Libertarian: Brett Rogers facebook page doesn't say much. 

My advice: I don't know. No to the Libertarian is all I can say for sure.